The Drone Automation and Robotics Technology (DART) Initiative proudly announces the release of “Flight to Impact: Economic and Workforce Outcomes from U.S. AAM Initiatives,” a comprehensive report evaluating the real-world effects of regional public-private investments in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) across the United States.

Commissioned with support from the James Irvine Foundation’s Priority Communities Initiative, this report is the first of its kind to quantify both the economic activity and workforce development results tied to AAM/UAS integration at a regional level.

“Flight to Impact highlights how coordinated investments in AAM are not only driving innovation but creating family-supporting jobs and resilient economies, especially in underserved regions,” said Josh Metz, Executive Director of DART. “This report provides a roadmap for state and regional leaders aiming to leverage emerging technologies for inclusive growth.”

Key Highlights:

• Over $1.8 billion in economic activity generated.
• 39,500 direct jobs created or supported.
• Detailed analysis from five U.S. states leading in AAM development.
• Infrastructure and battery manufacturing identified as critical drivers of workforce impact.
• Importance of state-level leadership, diverse economic incentives, and strong community engagement emphasized.

Matt Beatty, the report’s lead author and Principal at Advanced Aviation Alignment, noted:

“This research shows that AAM can be a powerful catalyst for regional economic growth, but success hinges on intentional coordination between government, industry, and communities. We found that states that combine infrastructure investment with targeted workforce development and startup support are best positioned to reap the long-term benefits of AAM integration.”

The report offers actionable insights for policymakers, industry leaders, and workforce development professionals committed to advancing climate-smart, technology-driven economies.

Download the Report:

Visit www.mbdart.org/flighttoimpact to access the full report and supporting materials.